The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Electrician Frank John Boot, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. SAN DIEGO on the occasion of the mine explosion resulting in the loss of that vessel 19 July 1918. Upon feeling the shock of the explosion, Chief Electrician Boot proceeded at once to the dynamo room, where alone he made every effort to provide current for battle circuits and boat cranes. The dynamo room was partly flooded as a result of the explosion, but he kept his station as long as there was any possibility of service.